BEST Amplifier Award ! - INSANE HiFi Value with Starke Sound AD4 Power Amplifier
Вставка
- Опубліковано 6 жов 2024
- shop.starkesou...
Winners were all contacted and giveaways sent. There are accounts that are impersonating me to scam others. We only message from our official account.
Which means this one with the videos, subscribers that it has. Another big sign is that the name is highlighted.
Giveaway videos:
Don't settle for less. Tips for the BEST Budget HiFi system for Beginner Audiophiles: • Don't settle for less....
Best Integrated Amplifier Award ! High Current Monster - Burson Timekeeper 3i !: • Best Integrated Amplif...
CRAZY Affordable Tube integrated amplifier with CRAZY Class A Sound ! BoyuuRange A50 MKIII: • CRAZY Affordable Tube ...
Best Affordable Audiophile DAC SMSL Has To Offer. SMSL VMV D1SE DAC !: • Best Affordable Audiop...
Giving Away My Audiophile Speaker. + Samsung Event Reveal/Reaction:
• Giving Away My Audioph...
related video:
NAD C298 review: • NAD C 298 Amplifier Re...
Support on Patreon: / jaysoulsik
follow on Instagram: / jaysoulsik
follow on Facebook: / jaysoulsik
Follow soundstage take 2 reviews: • Jay's Soundstage! reviews
Speaker stands: amzn.to/3ssRhI3
Better speaker stands: solidsteel.it/...
acoustic panels I use: ua-acoustics.com/
acoustic curtain: amzn.to/31d1zAM
BDI Cabinet I use: bit.ly/2OJRwQQ
amzn.to/3chBuFZ
other BDI Cabinets: bit.ly/3ctxXV1
amzn.to/30bsUCH
my fav hifi tweaks: (Isoacoustics devices) amzn.to/3j5FGvM
This video is not sponsored
for more info on how we work:
nbtsmedia.com/...
#hifi #audiophile #vlog
Winners were all contacted and giveaways sent. There are accounts that are impersonating me to scam others. We only message from our official account.Which means this one with the videos, subscribers that it has. Another big sign is that the name is highlighted.
Giveaway videos:
Don't settle for less. Tips for the BEST Budget HiFi system for Beginner Audiophiles: ua-cam.com/video/_tshr-M2P9Y/v-deo.html
Best Integrated Amplifier Award ! High Current Monster - Burson Timekeeper 3i !: ua-cam.com/video/hBDkd-DDjfA/v-deo.html
CRAZY Affordable Tube integrated amplifier with CRAZY Class A Sound ! BoyuuRange A50 MKIII: ua-cam.com/video/fHNQNyAkZO8/v-deo.html
Best Affordable Audiophile DAC SMSL Has To Offer. SMSL VMV D1SE DAC !: ua-cam.com/video/mUR8kLlPyfY/v-deo.html
Giving Away My Audiophile Speaker. + Samsung Event Reveal/Reaction:
ua-cam.com/video/V7OJlbnYNG0/v-deo.html
I have no prejudice against class D , if it sounds good to mi doesn´t matter the type of amplification !!!
Nice review , thanks !!!
Astonishing video! 3 dimensional Class D with an ton of power! I'm on the market for an amp for my MISSION towers (you have review the mini ones QX-2 in the past) and this would be a dreaming match!
Thanks for doing this.
What a great find!!! Thanks for reviewing....
Starke Audio AD4 sounds really good.
Really surprised to see a class D amplifier being worthy of the Best Amplifier award. Thanks Jay, sounds like it's a great find!
I have owned this amp for 9 months now, using it in bridged mode in a two channel system, and I agree with Jay's assessment.
Nice to know that there’s an affordable way to drive a pair of Maggies.
This amplifier sounds perfect for my RP280's and eventually my RF7 III's. I've been waiting to hear a review for a product exactly like this and especially at this price point for a long time! Thank you for sharing your knowledge and experience.
Starke seems to have removed all trace including sales of the AD4.320 from their website. This seems to follow recent retesting over at Audio Science Review. Any comments?
They have commented I talked to him on the phone that they have a new class D amplifier using switch mode power supply if the amplifiers that I bought are defective they say I can send them back if I'm not satisfied I talked to them a couple of weeks ago and I'm waiting on return labels that said I I'm at a point where I like the sound of these amplifiers so much I may not send them back if their new amplifiers had the same sound signature and put out the power specified then I will insist on taking these defective amps back and letting me have the newer class D amplifier
@@reidabney9005 Have you seen the recent testing results and developments on the ASR thread? You may want to review that information in making your decision. Starke’s own testing shows output about 1/3 of what was advertised/marketed. For that reason, I would have doubts about any claims for the “new” class D amplifiers - until independently verified.
Felt like the world have lost the opportunity to try or own this great product because of fights between the buyer and seller.
I highly doubt they removed product due to a review. Sounds like a bad unit. Their is an new generation available now.
asr is pretty weird, he didnt even plug it to any speaker?? Isnt it a lot easier to prove it is defective by recording it working on a speaker
I really like Class-D amps for the smoothness and bass control, but I usually pair it with a tube buffer or preamp section for some added warmth. This sounds pretty compelling. Especially for Maggies.
I thought the same thing. I’ve been thinking of Schiit’s Freya +
Yes, I use a Freya+ ahead of Nuprime ST-10M monoblocks.
Until this review, I was going to go with the Freya+ and Hypex NCore monoblocks. I first heard the combination with the Dared DV-6C, and have loved it since.
@@grumpyginger7475
You are correct!! I have a class D amp that weights 54 lbs and has crazy watts/current to drive my Magnepan 7's But l find matching my amp with my ARC LS15 tube pre amp really helps smooth things out
Gotta love any product that punches well above it's price point. Not to mention it's ability to bring more to the table in it's features and sound than one would think possible. Sounds like a winner.
Jay, do you know of Audio Science review of this amp and their findings that the output power is only 25% of the advertised output power per channel? Starke has been silence on the matter which raises doubt that this amp is really only output 65W instead of 200+W per channel. Can you help clarify with Starke for us.
Simply, Starke or any company technically has no reason to respond to ASR since they are not a respected forum. Its widely known as a cult for a good reason
I can testify that it doesn’t sound like a 65W
Amp and it sounds more power than my NAD C298. I don’t do measurements so that is all I can say.
Am I surprised to hear it measured 65w? Well yes because it certainly sounds better and more powerful than smsl amps rated for 100, 200 watts - it makes no sense to me.
Im sure Starke will come out with their own measurements but this is not my responsibility. I only share my experiences honestly as I can and I have done that here.
Am I surprised to learn those measurements came from ASR’s review? Of course not… everyone in the industry knows their measurements are the least reliable and highly biased/sculptured to Amir’s favour. Often his measurements has many errors and when spotted or pointed out, your comment gets deleted and you get banned.
If the measurements came from someone I respect; I would have taken a look at it/follow up despite not aligning with my personal listening experience.
However…
Amir doesn’t want to be proven wrong by Starke or anyone. He doesn’t even entertain civil conversation without demeaning the other side. In fact, he does not even listen to the gear he measures. I also heard controversy of him having affiliations with pushing smsl and topping to sell their products on a website that he secretly ran but thats besides the point…
Quite frankly I am not sure why anyone would put any weight into his measurements. The man literally demeans and attacks everyone (if you don’t bow down to his greatness) including other objectivists and engineers that know better than him.
I find Amir to be nothing but an egotistical, uncivilized individual and the forum/cult he created is a good reflection of that.
I want nothing to do with Amir or ASR. To me they are just a cult.
If measurements are replicated by someone else thats actually worth my time; let me know.
@@Jayiyagi I recently ordered this amplifier to place in my bedroom and power NHT SB2. Prior to this I had a crown xls2002 which I really do like just wanted a new sound. I would argue the starke has plenty of power to make the nht bookshelfs move some air in my room like my crown did but it isn't as sensitive as the crown I do have to give it an extra 6db to 8db to get the same volume as my crown. Other than the lower input sensitivity it sounds plenty strong.
@@noodlejohnson yes that has more to do with gain from my understanding. Which is lower on the Starke
@@Jayiyagi It seems to me that Starke should be the one providing some third party verified measurements to settle this. Just because you don't like Amir or ASR doesn't mean his measurements are wrong (though they may be).
As far as him not "listening" to the gear, that's what we have reviewers like you for. If it measures well and reviewers, like yourself, like it then that says a lot.
@@Jayiyagi Seems like Starke conveniently decided to temporarily discontinue this product this week while they work on a "new generation" of it... hmm...
Thanks for all the effort you put together in your channel! Helps us audiophiles out so much!
I got one in of these in may 2021, to replace my Rotel rmb 1085. Yea I'm still running two pairs of Magnepan MG12s in my HT system ( + 2 subs ). I do a ton of 2 channel listening on this system too. I'm glad I upgraded.
I'm glad you did a review on it too.
Always love that you try your best to bring the best value for money pieces of gear to the channel !
Those internals are insane. Lovely amp. Always nice to see products punch above their weight.
Great review Jay. I'm not quite sure what you mean by three dimensional sound stage vs. a two dimensional sound, but the fact that this amp will drive my Magnepans without breaking a sweat, along with balanced inputs makes it a very compelling option.
I did some research into the Starke AD4 about 6 months ago as it was one of a few amps I had narrowed down to purchase. I ended up going with a different manufacturer, but now I keep a close eye on all of their products and subscribe to their emails. I REALLY like the things I see in Starke, and I'm almost certain I'll own some of their gear eventually.
- Thank you Jay , this may be the Amplifier I have been looking for! I am building horn speakers and some very efficient Open Baffle speakers which will most likely use Decware Tube Amplifiers. But I also have four of the New 6.5 inch Ultra low distortion Purify Woofers that I am going to build a Speaker design around... but I don't have much money and I needed an amplifier with some low end power to take advantage of those world class woofers can do. But My favorite amplifiers have usually been tube amps , which is a small problem because I also live in Texas so I needed a great sounding cool running Class D Amplifier, and an amp that wasn't embarrassed by it's high frequency performances well because the Purify woofers will be hopefully be accompanied by a world class tweeter - this amplifier might just be exactly what I have been looking for.
This amp internals look amazing. With sound signature you described it would be great match for my Canton Ergo RC-L speakers. Gr8 job finding this gem.
Thanks Jay for introducing us to smaller yet quality manufacturers.
With the balanced inputs and assumably the superior Class D performance, this could
be a real audio-world hidden gem. Paired with a properly designed high-end tube amp
and correct speakers the wow-factor could be awesome. Contest aside, this amp
deserves some of my serious research to replace my (Nelson Pass) Adcom GFA 5500.
Nice one Jay - gonna seriously check this one out. Thanks for the introduction to this
very intriguing power amp. 🤙
Finally a product that gives full value for money .. Sounds super interesting. Hope I got to hear this amp soon...
Great to hear you change it up and showcase a class D amplifier you really love. Regardless of what camp one may find themselves in, recent class D amps feel like they've come a long way and are embracing lots of varied new technologies that are filling in the gaps.
This is now my favorite youtube channel
The advantages of a well designed class D amplifiers should not be overlooked, great efficiency, smaller form factor, less heat, great power and value.
Cool Jay! I wasn't sure how good it performs in comparison to Peachtree Nova 150. Of course there is more wattage with Starke but Peachtree allows multiple options of connections and functionalities.
Starke...
Finally someone reviews one! Thanks Jay!
You have me intrigued with this one Jay. A new definition for class D amps (we all hoped/knew it was coming)? I would love to hear this in person. Thanks for letting us know about this product.
Also, I'd really be interested in a review using this with different speakers. I know you touched on the subject, but an in depth review/comparison would be very valuable to me and I assume others. I'm VERY curious in this with the Magnepan LRS's. What a potentially great budget combo? Fingers crossed.
Thank you Jay for this review. Based on your review, I bought one. I've had my for about a month at this writing (12/6/2021) and love it! Your assessment and opinion on the Starke Sound AD4 320 amp is spot on. It replace a wonderful, lightly modified Mesa /Boogie Strategy 400 Stereo, a 200 WPC 6L6 tube amplifier (these Mesa amps are so good they Inspired Bob Carver to buy for himself and go into Tube amplification design and production)
This seems to be the future of quality affordable power. Would be excited to try it
I’ve listened to some systems with a class D amplifier. Honestly, the difference in terms of sound quality is minimum compared to other amplifier classes, the technology has reached a very good level that you can barely notice any difference and considering that the cost per watt delivered is really low it’s really a bargain for some really good quality products. Ok, the high wattage may be just “smoke and mirrors”, but still there are some speakers that needs a lot of current and here’s come the class d amplifier. Especially if you don’t want to see your wallet bleeding. Thanks for the giveaway opportunity mate
Now make a class ab amp as cheaply, and you have my attention. Class D ( or, appliance amps as I like to call them) are a dime a dozen Yawn....
@@rhwinner
Hmmm….seems that Rockinghorses are a dime a dozen, too…(or appliance horses as I like to call them….🥱).😴
Jay seems to think that this amp is different. He has MY attention! 👍🏼🤠
I'm in the process to get either the Musical Fidelity M5si or this one, please advise. It will be really appreciated, thx
@@joseangelbracho M5, no contest...MF makes awesome sounding stuff.
@@rhwinner and @JAB Considering that everyone should listen the pairing amp+speaker before buying (if possible) and should choose the component according to its own tastes I totally agree with you, I have listened to a M3si and it was nice with a pair of Kef (for me). MFs are really good products.
Wow, This Class D amplifier really looks unique and great electronic design. The price is just mind boggling for the power it delivers!
I really really love these videos Jay soulstik it's good to be a good person and to be honest you never know what someone is going through like me
I'm so glad you've gotten to review them I've wanted two of these amps for a couple years now
I have two of these in my home theater. Powerful output, delightful sound signature, solid build and unsurpassed value. Starke Sound should win a lifetime achievement award in audio just for this amp alone 😀
Lol
Are you Tony Stark trying to sell your own sht?
Good Job Jay!
Being a younger reviewer, you are open minded enough to try new technologies...
Thank you for your honesty and commitment..
Keep it up
Thanks!
That amp sounds amazing! I always wanted to try class D amp in my system. I love the fact that they have created this amp to sound more like tubes. I will definitely research and consider this amp for my system. 👍
Great review Jay. I'm not quite sure what if this amp will drive my Magnepans but with 4-3-2 channels and balanced inputs makes it a very compelling option.
Great video Jay! Sounds like class D amp technology is maturing and designers are able to finesse and tune the sound a bit more beyond just the measurements.
I've used and built class D amps and I love them! With good caps, op-amps and clean power supplies they have nothing to envy from class AB power hungry monsters
Very interesting amp, love to see more affordable gear, good job Jay
Had this last year. It’s great as a 2 ch and HT combo amp. But for either alone, I find it lacking. Not enough refinement for 2 ch and not punchy enough for HT.
Still, it has great value for money.
I love looking at insides of amplifiers, and this amp looks really good! Especially the transformers. Also it's interesting they make their own class D amplifier modules. Never heard of that.
Nuprime Audio also designed their own class D module
It's great to see new Class D amp by less known company. Had been waiting for the promise of Class-D amplification for ages. Keep up the good work!
Amazing class D amp. The story behind the development of the amp is great really makes people appreciate the process in making an amp. Fingers and toes crossed for this one
You are the first one of the Hi-FI UA-cam community that gives something back to! Thank you for being awesome!
Nice introduction and comparison to other amplifier. Your video's are very informative. Atleast you're comparing low end middle and high more options for us 🤘 thanks again
I've been using a Parasound New Classic 200 class D Integrated amp since last spring. It replaced Emotiva BasX separates. I'm loving it. Plenty of power, but better detail and realism. They are using Pascal modules.
You know, it'd be so awesome to know what's already in my fridge before going shopping at the grocery, but I always forget to check. It'd be so useful to get that info while at the store!
A Class D with a "Tube like" sound signature?! Looking forward to trial this amp!
Sounds like an interesting power amp and always good when these class D amps makers give then a little more sonic charactor and flavour.
It would be interesting to see what a non audiophile would pick between a class ab vs d vs tube amplifier in a blind listening
Thanks Jay for the detailed review. Sounds like there is a lot to like about this amp at a best value price.
Thanks Jay. I like class D amp as they work really cool and reliable. I got some class A amp but they are really hot and made me feel like they are melting inside 😅. Tube sound is really my favorite and if it works in class D, then it will be perfect. I really want to try.
I needed new speakers for my
computer now that I'm moving and my current system goes to the living room, and these KEF would be a good solution for me, specially coming at no cost. For the Samsung events, the one related to the Z Fold3 seems to be the best one.
Cool amp option. Curious about advancements that this could push.
The specs do look impressive and it seems pretty versatile for a power amp.
Jay, what a mouth watering detailed review. I will even say its more descriptive in terms of abilities as well as performances. Awesome job , Jay.!!!!
You had me at "It can drive the Magnepans."
...that and tube-sounding.
This amp could truly unlock the potential of my audio equipment. Good stuff
Awesome Video Jay, was very shocked you liked a Class "D" amp that much, like you mentioned most audiophiles prefer anything BUT class "D". Thanks again Jay!! Keep up these great reviews!!
Looks very promising. I'm sure you saw the other amps they have to offer. You should check out the Class A + AB amps as well. Great find 👍
You make a very good argument for the Starke Audio AD4. I would love to hear how this sounds with my KEF LS50s!
I am a real sucker for power amplifiers and, I like the ones which tame the speakers and offer a soundstage as well as getting out of the way. I think that my ultimate power amp would do all of those things and be immersive in the way that it presents the music, with a pinch of magic pixie dust thrown in for good measure. Maybe, from your description this could be a contender…
Thanks for doing these giveaways! Never tried a Class D amp before. Would love to try this out.
Thanks for the review and comments. Impressive that the Starke holds its own against NAD and Hegel that you mentioned. An interesting amp with twochannel annd multi-channel potential. wish me luck.
I use Class D for stereo home theater. Is ideal when you have some speaker laying around and best TV's ones.
I need a new Samsung TV. My old one is Samsung and the picture quality has been terrific! The TV in the "Pro-tip" section reminded me of that. Great channel Jay , You're sooo good at this!
Great review Jay, thank you! I have been waiting for this type of class D voicing for a while now... I know that you have some serious experience with amps and maggies, but I am really looking forward to someone hooking up a 1.7i or 3.7i and confirming that this amp can deliver the goods with those speakers.
Have you tried it,
Interesting how class D amplifiers are becoming so good these days!
I too have not heard of Starke Audio. I thoroughly enjoy learning new stuff from all your videos! Keep it up!
Wonder how it stacks up to the Hegel H390 in terms of sound quality? Or is that a unequal comparison given one is an A/B integrated vs. class D with no DAC or digital inputs?
Thnx J. I have been interested in Starke for sometime now. Thnx for your positive view of their class D amplifier. So long coming to us interested in warm sounding powerful class D amplification.
Awesome review, Jay. This will be a perfect power amp to start off an inexpensive system. Will consider it seriously. Cheers. Keep it up.
Yes! More chances for free stuff. Thank u Samsung and Jay! I appreciate your ears and judgement. And thank you for helping out us working folk! As a teacher, my audiophile journey has a pretty low financial ceiling! Thanks again
This is one solid state amp that I would consider simply because of the power output and the reviews of the sound... Class d amplifiers have a typical sound to them and if this defeats that I might actually be interested in buying it
I'm glad to see you review the AD4.320. Been looking at it for months now. It would be wild if I actually won it, but if not, your review is already appreciated as there are not many reviews on it😎
I'm currently using a class D amplifier and its punch is fun for some music styles. Probably best for a home theater setup.
Well done Jay , thank you for your time and effort.
I have been looking for an affordable Class D amp. It’s hard to know how it sounds without listening to it, but I trust your judgment! Thanks, Jay
Thanks Jay always enjoy your videos just an old guy starting out in the audiophile world God bless have a great day
I have been looking at this amp, because I get a good bit of power, low heat, and can power all my atmos speakers, or Bridge and run bi-amp my RBH SVTR bass section.
What would you consider to be a great pre-amp for the C298 to make it sound musical?? The Schiit Freya Plus or something else??
The Schiit Freya Plus is the PERFECT match! 👍🏼☺️
I've always been curious about PS Audio's D class amplification, but they've been outside my price range. Thank you so much for this giveaway Jay!!
I have the Stellar S300 matched with Tekton mini lore monitors and Bryston Mini A and it sounds great to me. Check the used market for the S300; you might be able to afford it. Cheers!
I'm happy to see you reviewing KEF, I truly love their more affordable range. I can only imagine what the LS50 Meta sound like.
Class D is the Winner! WOW!! Thanks for the information on this brand. Also, glad you noted what your current system setup is using. Not sure how this would do when combined with the my Proac speakers or my Spendor speakers. Thank you for bringing something new to us.
Very interested in a tube-like class D amplifier. I wonder if it would sound good with a Denon HT receiver acting as pre-amp. I wish more audiophile products had a HPF for the 2 mains as well as a sub out.
Definitely improving my hifi vocabulary with all these reviews
Good day Jay. I recently bought new class D amp and highly recommend you to review it and to compare it to other D amps running on Purifi / Hypex/ Pascal modules. This one is very unique in term of engineering point of view. I'm talking about AMPED amp2400 model. 400watts for 8ohn and 800w for 4ohm. I connect my amp with Sierra 2ex with very good results. Previously used XTZ e300 and vtv with Purifi. Marantz pm8006 and Muzishare x7. This amp is a keeper in my case. Only one downside, amp is a bit on expensive side. Regards, Arthur
I don’t really subscribe to the class d sucks mantra - kudos to you Jay for making this week fun!
I’m looking forward to QLED 8K tv in the Samsung event.
Yeah, Maggies are the first thing I thought of when you listed those power railings.
Still like the robot vacuum
Thank you so much for the opportunity... I am trying to get my first hifi build, just got a sony str dh190 used, but if I would get this amp i'd get rid for it and straight go for a burchardt 400t as my first speakers . currently trying out KEF lS50, but not my thing..
Looking at the inside. I would bet that you could greatly improve the openness and transparency by cutting off the plastic from the four big capacitors. And by switching out the transforms' carriage bolts from stainless steel, to bronze. Might want also to check to see of the plates on top of the transformers are non-magnetic (aluminum, copper, or bronze). Would want to verify, with the manufacturer that they will still respect the warranty.
Magnificent review, Jay! Would be amazing to have an amp like that!
Got it Monday it took all of 15 min to know it's very good thanks for the recommendations
Always great to watch reviews which includes a glimpse of the internals. Thanks Jay!
This amplifier represents the niche solution that I am looking for - flexible in function, efficiency in design and power - I would love to hear it!
You need to check out Nuprime. The Nuprime ST 10 does have a tube mid range sound. And, they manufacture their own modules. I had a PS Audio, and it was not as rich sounding in comparison. I also used to own a McIntosh MC 275.
I am amazed on how fast amplifier technology has improved. Great class D amplifier here.
I agree Jay, class D is usually not the way to go. I looked at the Samsung event and everything looks great!
I have been interested in the folding phones from Samsung but continue to wonder how durable they are. Loved this video. Nice to hear a class d amp that delivers on musicality.